Method and application of biomechanical support device

ABSTRACT

Structural formations and formulations of a silicon foam, for example, used in high performance shoes, as, for example, mid-sole materials of excellent energy efficiency (measured as a ratio of energy returned/energy absorbed) of 8050D IMEVA of excellent (151 mJ/cm3) shock absorption qualities foreseeably embodied in orthoses, shoes, midsoles, inserts and other molded forms.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional counterpart to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 60/292,406, filed on May 21, 2001 and entitled Method andApplication for BioMechanical Support Device.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] (N/A)

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAMLISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC (SEE 37 CFR 1.52(e)(5))

[0003] (N/A)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Background

[0005] Silicone rubbers are compositions containing a high molecularweight dimethyl silicone linear polymer. Such materials offer excellentviscoelastic properties capable of providing shock absorption bydissipating the energy invading the body of a foam during locomotion.This is accomplished without “bottoming out” as quickly as othermaterials used for the same purpose, making them a good substitute forthe natural viscoelastic body tissues in the manufacture of orthoses orrunning shoes. Devices made from silicone can be heated and cooledwithout drying or cracking. They maintain both their shape andviscoelastic properties over wide ranges of temperature as demonstratedby the invention herein.

[0006] Other important characteristics of silicone rubbers include ahigh degree of chemical inertness, which allows the silicone devices tobe soaked in many types of solutions for both cleaning and disinfectingwithout any loss of function. This chemical inertness also reduces thechance of allergies upon contact with the skin and does not supportbacterial growth or odor. A variety of both heel and full footprefabricated silicone orthoses are currently known. Although theydiffer somewhat in appearance, they are all designed primarily for bothshock attenuation and weight dispersion. For example, a shoe pad can bemade to cushion in the heel using a silicone pad. Foam pads can compresstoo much and loose effectiveness if worn, for instance, for over a halfhour. It is a goal of the disclosed materials and formations to beutilized in foot orthoses for improved pressure distribution as well ashigh performance running shoes.

[0007] A cost effective, energy efficient and optimal weight in siliconefoam for molding in various applications is another goal of thedisclosed invention. Silicone though, if not formed or formulated well,can demonstrate poor shock absorption, in for example, running shoes.The disadvantages of using known silicone include high cost, weight andcompression (Energy absorbed per volume). To achieve cost effective andoptimal weights in silicone foams, fillers or foaming agents aresometimes added.

[0008] Examples of potential usage of the disclosed silicon includesinsoles, shoes, orthopedics devices, which achieve, for example, reduceshearing of various design formation. It is a goal of the invention tobe utilized in viscoelastic full insoles as an insert made of siliconeto achieve significant pressure redistribution under the foot as well asgait correction, as well as other foreseeable structures such as amidsole.

[0009] One foreseeable utilization of the disclosed inventions is asilicone which is, for example, usable in a high performance runningshoe. Athletes wear running shoes to protect against injury bycushioning impact and aiding joint alignment. A runner lands on the hindheel, rocks forward through his or her instep and then presses off fromthe forepart of the foot. The heel strike, with its associated impactforces, is considered by certain research the most treacherous phase ofthe gait cycle. Midstance, with its threat of overpronation, has alsoreceiving considerable attention in shoe research and design. PeterCavenaugh in the text The Running Shoe Book has shown that runningbiomechanics are more complex and idiosyncratic than previouslysuspected. To better generate distribution of forces is a goal of thedisclosed invention utilizing foam and formed structures, achievingrelieved pain and weight distribution.

[0010] Serious runners count on their shoes to improve their performanceas well. For a running shoe, the foam can be utilized to improve gait,for example, with improved biomechanics and in various designs. A shoecan be designed from the disclosed foam for a shoe, for example, withincreased soft-tissue vibrations, and other modifications to decreasethe soft-tissue vibrations by modifying such varying aspects of foamdensity, foam formulations as well as other aspects of the foam'sstructural formation such as nobs, sponge pads, grooves, ridges,barrels, etc. and achievement of the disclosed and recited invention.Reducing impact and alignment in running injuries and athleticperformance is a goal for an embodiment of the foam disclosed utilizedin a shoe or athletic device. A goal of the disclosed foam is to utilizethe disclosed material, implemented as a shoe which is, for example,utilized for controlling roll in a high performance shoe.

[0011] It is a goal of the disclosed invention to, for example, beutilized by manufacturers to vary foam structure placement as well asformation, varying material qualities and strategically place holesridges, nobs and grooves in a foam crafted form utilization in, forexample, a running shoe. The disclosed foam can be utilized in a shoe toprovide greater stability and alignment, for example, controllingpronation, by using varying density of formation and formulation in, forexample, midsoles in an attempt to deal with pronation. Example designsof the disclosed material could foreseeably include a midsole thinned,thickened and rounded toward the outside edges of a shoe. For example,in one embodied utilization of the foam varying structures of the foamcan be utilized in shoes promoting a preferred alignment, to feel greatand improve performance; preventing irritation and exhaustion for therunner or walker.

[0012] Another foreseeable implementation of the foam embodied herein isfor reinforcements in shoe models according to parameters such as degreeof cushioning, dynamic alignment and shape, attuned to varyingbiomechanical analyses characterizing according to a consumer's runningstyle of varying factors such as pressure and compression, varyingcushioning and stability features to accommodate different body weights,running as well as walking surfaces and patterns of ground contact.

[0013] The foam disclosed herein can be used for an array of choices,formations and functionalities preventing suffering in the protectiveforms of orthotic devices, for example for therapeutic footwear forpeople with diabetes, as well as other orthoses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] As noted and recited amongst various embodiments, an exampleformulation and structural formation of a silicon foam is disclosedwhich achieves criteria, for example, when utilized in high performanceshoes, as for example, as mid-sole materials of excellent energyefficiency (energy returned/energy absorbed) of known 8050D IMEVA ofexcellent (151 mJ/cm3) shock absorption qualities. The disclosedformation can also foreseeably be embodied in orthoses, shoes, midsoles,inserts and other molded forms.

[0015] The structural formations of silicone in various forms andformulations of excellent “energy efficiency and consistency” hasseveral advantages for use in, for example, an orthotic support devicewhich is customizable, or sports wear such as high performance runningshoes midsole. Example structural embodiments comprise the siliconefoam, for example, as supplied by GE Silicones of the followingcriteria: a foam silicone as a 10 to 1 mix with liquid injection moldedsilicon, mixed to form a catalyst, which is cured by adding heat to 10parts of A to 1 part B. RTF 762 Silicone foam or known RTV 615 Siliconeat 10% (for example known RTV 615 GE Silicone) to process a pure foamsilicon, inconsistencies make it difficult to mold from shot to shot.Adding, RTV as silicone at 10% makes, a mold more controllable.

[0016] It is a goal of the present invention to achieve consistencystructural formation from foam (% change in average stiffness from a10th to 1000th impact) with the lower the value, the better. Anembodiment example of a sole formation such as a mid-sole whichcomprises a foam of a consistency of 15% or less, with EVA foams whichare typically around 10% of the original value.

[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example,varying embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

FIG. 1 BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1

[0019] Example tolerances are shown, for variations of structural formsof the sponge. Other variations of the present invention areforeseeable.

[0020]FIG. 1A is a top view of a sponge with holes cut verticallythrough the body.

[0021]1A1 For example a radius 2 mm radius curvature.

[0022]1A2 is a Holes all 3 mm diameter, for example.

[0023]FIG. 1B is a side view of a sponge

[0024]1B1 is a radius 2 mm, typical on 2 corners rounding.

[0025]1B2 as shown in a sectional view of cylinder formed by holes insponge.

[0026]1B3 with a dimension of 6 mm from holes diameter to hole diameter.

[0027]1B4 with a dimension of 50 mm at the base.

[0028]1B5 shows a 7 mm dimension distance from cylinder center to edgeof sponge wall.

[0029]FIG. 1C is a front view of a sponge.

[0030]1C1 is a cutaway sectional view of a rounded corner through thesponge.

[0031]1C2 shows a radius of 2 mm, typical on 2 corners, for example.

[0032]1C3 A 6 mm distance is shown from a cylinder center to cylindercenter.

[0033]1C4 shows 7 mm distance from cylinder center to edge of spongewall.

[0034]1C5 shows 50 mm diameter of the test sponge.

[0035]1C6 shows 15 mm height of an example sponge.

[0036]FIG. 2

[0037]FIG. 2A is a top view of a sponge with slots.

[0038]2A1 shows a radius 2 mm, rounding of corners.

[0039]2A2 shows 10 slots, 3 mm wide, with typical slot shown in 2A2.

[0040]2A3 shows a radius 1.5 mm, typical on 20 ends of slots, forexample.

[0041]2A4 for the 10 slots, 17 mm length is shown.

[0042]FIG. 2B is a side view of a sponge.

[0043]2B1 shows a radius 2 mm, typical for rounding corners.

[0044]2B2 shows a 7 mm distance from a cylinder center to a sponge wallis shown.

[0045]2B3 shows a 9 mm distance from a cylinder radius to a cylinderradius is shown.

[0046]2B4 shows a 50 mm length is shown for a sponge wall length.

[0047]FIG. 2C is a front view of a sponge.

[0048]2C1 shows a radius of 2 mm, typical rounding of an example spongeslab.

[0049]2C2 shows a 5 mm spacing from slot gap to sponge wall.

[0050]2C3 shows a 6 mm wall forward from sponge slot to sponge slot.

[0051]2C4 shows a 15 mm height of a sponge.

[0052]2C5 shows a 50 mm wall gauge.

[0053]FIG. 3

[0054]FIG. 3A is a top view of a sponge with nobs.

[0055]3A1 shows 16 domes of 8 mm diameter, 3A1 a typical dome forexample R2 TYP 4X radius 2 mm, typical on 4 corners

[0056]FIG. 3B is a side view of a sponge.

[0057]3B1 shows from nob centerlines, 12 mm distance between nobs.

[0058]3B2 shows a 2 mm radius, typical on rounding of corners of thesponge.

[0059]3B3 shows a 7 mm distance of a nob center to a sponge wall.

[0060]3B4 shows a 8 mm height of a nob from sponge wall flat.

[0061]3B5 shows a 50 mm length of a sponge, for example.

[0062]FIG. 3C is a front view of a sponge formed with nobs of 8 mm.

[0063]3C1 shows a centerline to centerline, 12 mm distance from nob tonob.

[0064]3C2 shows a 4 mm radius, typical on 16 domes, as shown for exampleby the dome nobs.

[0065]3C3 shows a 2 mm radius rounding of corners of a wall.

[0066]3C4 shows a 7 mm distance from nob center to sponge wall.

[0067]3C5 shows a 50 mm length of a sponge.

[0068]3C6 shows a height of the wall.

[0069]3C7 shows a cutaway view through a sponge

[0070]FIG. 4

[0071]FIG. 4A is a top view of the sponge with ribs.

[0072]4A1 shows a 2 mm radius, typical on 4 corners rounding for example

[0073]FIG. 4B a side view of a sponge with ribs.

[0074]4B1 shows a 2 mm radius, typical on 2 corners rounding of a spongeedge.

[0075]4B2 shows a 8 mm height of a rib.

[0076]4B3 shows a 50 mm length of a sponge.

[0077]FIG. 4C is a front view of a sponge with ribs

[0078]4C1 shows a 4 mm radius top, typical on 4 ribs, as shown in oneexample rib.

[0079]4C2 shows a 2 mm radius, typical on 2 corner rounding of a spongewall.

[0080]4C3 shows a 3 centerlines, 12 mm distance from rib center to ribcenter.

[0081]4C4 shows a 7 mm distance to the sponge wall edge from edge ribcenter.

[0082]4C5 shows a 50 mm length of a sponge.

[0083]4C6 shows a 15 mm height of the sponge.

[0084]FIG. 5

[0085]FIG. 5A is a top view of a sponge with nobs.

[0086]5A1 shows 9 nobs of 16 mm diameter, with 5A1 showing a typical nob16 mm of diameter.

[0087]5A2 shows a 2 mm radius typical rounding on 4 corners of thesponge.

[0088]FIG. 5B is a side view of a sponge with nobs

[0089]5B1 shows a 9 mm distance from nob center to wall edge.

[0090]5B2 shows a 16 mm distance from nob center to nob center.

[0091]5B3 shows a 8 mm height of a nob.

[0092]FIG. 5C is a view of the sponge with nobs.

[0093]5C1 show a cutaway of the sponge.

[0094]5C2 shows a 4 mm radius for nob head.

[0095]5C3 shows a 9 mm distance from a nob center to a sponge wall.

[0096]5C4 shows a 16 mm distance from a nob center to nob center forexample.

[0097]5C5 shows a 50 mm length of a sponge pad

[0098]5C6 shows a 15 mm height of a sponge pad

[0099]FIG. 6

[0100]FIG. 6 shows a sponge with ribs. In all cases these examples weretested to help develop an appropriate structure that will collapseeasier under load. (i.e; improve energy absorbed per volume).

[0101]6A1 shows a 2 mm radius, rounding of sponge wall edges, typical on4 corners.

[0102]6B2 shows a 2 mm radius, rounding of sponge wall edges, typical on4 corners.

[0103]6B3 shows a 50 mm length sponge.

[0104]6C shows a side view of a sponge with ribs

[0105]6C5 shows a radius of 4 mm for one of 4 example ribs.

[0106]6C1 shows a 7 mm length from rib to wall.

[0107]6C2 shows 11 mm height of a sponge.

[0108]6C3 shows a 4 mm cone base of a rib.

[0109]6C4 shows a 50 mm length of a sponge.

[0110]FIG. 7

[0111]FIG. 7 is a structure utilized for the heel portion of a shoemid-sole.

[0112]7A1 3.000 inches length of a sponge is shown.

[0113]7A2 2.500 inches from corner rod center to corner rod center.

[0114]7A3 0.630 inches from rod to rod center.

[0115]7A4 0.630 inches from rod to rod center.

[0116]7B1 0.295 inches of a wall height of a sponge is shown

[0117]7B2 0.610 inches of a platform wall to rod top height is shown

[0118]7C1 shows a gauge of 1.969 inches from a rod to rod to rod.

[0119]7C2 show a gauge of 1.220 inches for a rod height.

[0120]FIG. 8

[0121]FIG. 8, achieves a structure for use in a shoe mid-sole. The“opposed” dome to dome structure helps the foam collapse, or act as aspring to allow the energy absorbed per volume value to increase. Thisis an achievement over solid silicone foam.

[0122]FIG. 8, for example, shows FIG. 8A a sponge with geometricbarrels.

[0123] The barrels are in a structure that allows the material tocollapse, thus reducing the amount of energy need to compress theMIDSOLE. Empty space is filled with compressed dome structure, absorbingshock.

[0124]8A1 is a length of a sponge slab with geometric rods of 3.00inches.

[0125]8A2 is a length of 2.5 inches center corner to center cornerradius.

[0126]8A3 is a 0.630 inches measurement from barrel to barrel center.

[0127]8A4 is a 0.630 inches measurement from barrel to barrel center.

[0128]8B1 is a 0.610 inches measurement of barrel to midwall.

[0129]8B2 is a 0.295 inches measurement of midwall to barrel top.

[0130]8C1 is a 1.969 inch length measurement of a sponge.

[0131]8C2 is a 1.220 inch height measurement of a sponge.

[0132]FIG. 9

[0133]FIG. 9 shows a silicone foam base with barrel structures moldedinto the base for example midsole, heal portion, exemplary.

[0134]FIG. 9 shows a sponge with barrels and the significance of thestructural forms for instance as a midsole just the heal portion?

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0135] It is a goal of the disclosed foam formed as at least one ofseveral structural formations for shock absorption implemented in oneembodiment as a lightweight material and formed within running shoes.The battle between cushioning and stability occurs in a designers'efforts to reduce the weight of running shoes, because stabilitycomponents tend to be heavy. A goal achieved by the disclosed siliconefoam and the disclosed structural formations is of a shoe of a lighterweight, without making a high performance shoe which is too flexiblewhile accomplishing excellent shock absorption.

[0136] In one embodiment, the disclosed shoe can be utilized as asolution to shoe designers'constant battle to get a shoe with anadequate amount of both shock absorption and stability. A trade-offoccurs between at least two aims: shock-absorbing materials such astrapped gas, silicone gel and foam polymers cushion the impact ofpounding feet, which can, if not designed well, result in runninginjuries. Yet too much cushioning compromises a shoe's ability tostabilize the alignment and movement of the joints in the legs and feet.Resulting for example in Achilles tendonitis from the popularity of softheels in running shoes. When a heel gets too soft, the foot sinks intoit and torques, and it is possible to have more Achilles tendonitisflare-ups.

[0137] A known breakthrough in strong, lightweight material occurreddecades ago, when nylon replaced leather and canvas uppers and the knownfoam polymer called ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) supplanted rubber inthe midsole and heel. EVA is a known closed-cell foam in the midsole ofmany athletic, trail running and hiking shoes. EVA is used for itscushioning qualities since it is lighter and softer than the other knownmajor midsole ingredient—polyurethane. Progress in weight reduction hasconsisted of removing unnecessary material—strategically carving out thesurplus EVA in perforated midsole designs.

[0138] Shoe manufacturers (for example) struggle to strike the rightbalance between cushioning and stability. An achievement of thedisclosed invention is to reduce impact forces and running injuries.Impact exercises such as basketball, gymnastics and running can damagejoints. An achievement of one embodiment of utilizing the disclosed foamformations is for prevention of degenerative joint diseases such asosteoarthritis. The cushioning provided by the disclosed silicon foamand structures of the invention can be utilized to reduce the frequencyor type of running injuries due to the excellent shock absorbingqualities of the disclosed invention's “sponginess” and structuralformations to redistribute impact forces.

[0139] Known stability features such as stiffer soles, racing stripesand arch supports are meant to steady the foot within the shoe and guideits contact with the ground. Yet a shoe that, for example, is too rigidwon't protect against impact and can restrict the complex series ofmotions that make up a normal gait cycle. A goal of one embodiment ofthe present invention is to provide for example, a silicone foam formedas structural form as for use in a running shoe with a built in supportsuch as a silicone foam midsole to prevent excess pronation, or inwardrolling of the foot, as, for example, the runner's weight shifts fromheel to toe.

[0140] Yet some amount of pronation is natural and even necessary innormal walking and running. Yet a dual-density midsole design forexample, may lead to an increase in the frequency of iliotibial-bandfriction syndrome, a condition in which a band of connective tissuerunning down the outside of the thigh rubs painfully against a bonyprotrusion near the knee. If a shoe is designed poorly in dual densitytechnology normal pronators may roll far onto the outer edges of theirfeet—a motion called supination that is also part of normal running butthat can be harmful in excess. Oversupination stretches the illiotibialband and causes the long bone of the thigh to twist inward, increasingthe friction between the band and the bony knob. The disclosed foam andstructures foreseeably achieves a desired balance and shock absorption.

[0141] It is possible for the disclosed silicon foam to be utilized forreduced vibrations generation when a heel strikes the ground, as well.The disclosed foam can be utilized for cushioning of running shoes whichcan amplify or damp soft-tissue resonance by shifting impact frequenciestoward or away from a walker's soft/firm vibration frequency, aspectswhich can be controlled by changing the disclosed foam's formulation,structural formation, density, as well as other aspects.

[0142] As a configurable variety of structural formations, one preferredfoam utilized is RTF 762 and RTV 615 silicone with a high performancecriteria of RTV 615 silicone @10% silicone used.

[0143] For RTF 762 silicone foam, and RTV 615 silicone @10%, theseexample choices of silicon foam yield a foam product that has a densityof about 29-lbs./cu.ft. All manner of structural formations are possibledue to the excellent stock absorption, resistance to shearing, as wellas other aspects of the disclosed foam.

[0144] The content of 762 silicone foam is as follows:

[0145] Achieved characteristics of this foam when tested formed as 3cm×5 cm slabs are produced are as follows, for example, as a material ofa low-density silicone foam, or a higher density Silicone foam. Highdensity and Low Density samples were submitted for comparison testingconfigured as a 3 cm×5 cm×1.5 cm slab, tested to 1,000 impacts,excellently. Lower density silicone form test results are achieved anddiscussed below.

[0146] The present invention achieves a criterion of an Energy Absorbedper Volume, with preferably the higher the value, the better, utilizablefor various forms and formations.

[0147] An example embodiment, of a mid-sole foam of desired criteriaachieved by the disclosed silicone is of a criterion which can absorb atleast (120 mJ/cm³). Soft silicone foams could be almost acceptable (119mJ/cm³) while hard silicone foams may tend to have poor characteristics(70 mJ/cm³).

[0148] An example of 8050D IMEVA (injection molded ethyl vinyl acetate)achieves excellent results (151 mJ/cm³). A goal of the disclosed IMEVAis to provide a midsole, for example, which provides a lightweightcushioning.

[0149] It is a goal of the disclosed invention to achieve a criteria ofenergy efficiency for a silicone foam (with energy returned/energyabsorbed): with the higher the value the better in various forms.Threshold criteria include mid-sole foams, of example of energyefficiency of at least 0.60 KPa. This is a ratio of energy absorbed overenergy returned KPa measuring stress over strain, amount of force withstrain as the amount of deflection and EVA foams range between 0.65-0.75KPa. It has been determined that soft silicone foams have very good(0.72 KPa) energy efficiency. Hard silicone foams as well are anotherembodiment of the disclosed invention with very good (0.71 units KPatypically as measurement) energy efficiency.

[0150] An embodiment of 8050D IMEVA has good (0.66 units KPa) results aswell.

[0151] The present invention achieves an excellent consistency (% changein average stiffness from 10th to 1000th impact): with the lower thevalue the better. An embodiment example of a sole such as a mid-soleexample comprises a foam of a consistency of 15% or less, with EVA foamswhich are typically around 10% KPa.

[0152] It is an achievement of the disclosed invention of, for example,a soft silicone foam of excellent results at (2.98% KPa). An achievementof a hard silicone foam with excellent (4.5% KPa) results is disclosedas well. An 8050D IMEVA is achieved of good results (9.11%) in oneembodiment.

[0153] In one embodiment formation of the present silicon foaminvention, for example, utilized as a high performance running shoedemonstrates the below properties:

[0154] In an example embodiment of a shoe sample with criteria ofMid-sole weight 4.2 oz Tread weight 2 oz Mid-sole density 29 lbs./cu-ft

[0155] Currently, an exemplary weight is also achieved as well when thedisclosed foam is implemented in formations within a shoe. Costeffectiveness is also achieved by the disclosed invention as well, forexample, with the molding of, for example, a shoe bottom, achievingreduced material labor and molding costs.

[0156] An exemplary embodiment formation of the foam formed within ahigh-end performance shoe of excellent Energy Absorbed Per Volume, withthe foam disclosed moldable to any form desirable.

[0157] Weight constraint is primary in considering design. A weightconstraint is such that non-formed silicone will not be a sufficientmaterial for needed height reduction.

[0158] A goal of the recited invention, that because of issues inconsistency when injection molding foam is used, that the foam densityshould not be altered any further than 5% manufacturing tolerance ofvariation to achieve a goal amount of Energy Absorbed per Volume. IMEVAhas a density of 16 lbs per cubic foot. Foamed silicon as used by thenovel formation and structure is a goal of the disclosed invention.

[0159] The foam disclosed can be molded to various physical structuresof various form and function design characteristics. A foam for testingwith various structures was molded. An example, structural foam in oneembodiment comprised of a material of a low-density silicone foamconfigured as tip-tip barrel shapes 3 cm×5 cm×1.50 m which forms asponge for example for a running shoes midsole tested to 1,000 impactswith the following results:

[0160] Energy/Absorbed per volume 122.72 mJ/cm³ (minimum requirement is120 mJ/cm³, EVA is Typically 145 mJ/cm³) which passed testingsuccessfully.

[0161] An Average Modulus=1232.9 kPa (requirement is 1000 kPa-1300kPa)—the disclosed foam was successfully achieved.

[0162] An instantaneous stiffness of foam was equal to 3× the AverageStiffness (meeting criteria of requirement is <=3 times averageStiffness value which) a successful achievement.

[0163] Energy Efficiency=0.79 KPa (minimum requirement is >0.60 KPa, EVAis typically 0.65-0.70 KPa) also passed testing successfully.

[0164] A consistency=2.14% KPa (in one example embodiment, a minimumrequirement is <15% KPa, with an EVA (typically 10% KPa) also was anachieved criteria from testing.

[0165] Further foreseeable embodiments of the disclosed foam formationscomprise orthotic devices (commonly known as a brace or splint), whichis an orthopedic device that is applied externally to the limb or body.The foam can be structurally formed to provide support, protection orreplacement of lost physical function.

[0166] Ideally there are a large variety of structural devices availablefor the disclosed silicone to be formed and formulated depending on thediagnosis and physical needs of the individual. Orthoses are formallynamed for the body segment or area that they cover or the particularfunction they provide. Some examples embodiments the foam can be formedto comprise an

[0167] AFO—ankle foot orthosis

[0168] KAFO—knee ankle foot orthosis

[0169] HKAFO—hip knee ankle foot orthosis

[0170] RGO—reciprocating gait orthosis

[0171] AO—ambulation orthosis

[0172] The silicone foam described herein can be custom made or customformed depending on the criteria of clientele, functioning to protect auser.

[0173] Custom made orthoses are made over a cast, in one embodiment,which is, for example, a model of a client's body part. The foammaterial and formations described herein could be customized to formdevices as fabricated by orthotic technicians and fit by orthotists.

[0174] A custom fit orthosis is made to measurements and is customizedfor a particular client. The foam and formations can be custom formed todevices provided in a kit form, for example requiring assembly andcustomization by a technician and orthotist, in one embodiment.

[0175] While the invention has been described in connection with apreferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims. As a material, the silicone foam disclosed hasendless possible uses.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structural form for a shoe for optimized shockabsorption, said form comprising: silicone foam material having thecharacteristic of an optimized ratio energy return/energy absorption ofgreater than 0.6 mJ within a shoe; at least one of a nob, a slit, anaperture, at least one of several ribs, at least one of several columns,at least one of several slots, at least one of several holes or at leastone of several barrels; wherein said silicone foam material is of acriteria of 8050D IMEVA with (151 mJ/cm³) measurement of said energyabsorbed per volume.
 2. The structural form of claim 1, further whereinsaid form is formed within a shoe as an IMEVA midsole; wherein saidmidsole provides a lightweight cushioning.
 3. A shoe structure formed asa midsole, said structure comprising: a silicone foam material ofoptimized energy return/energy absorption formed within a shoe wherein,said shoe is a running shoe of controlled pronation from said structuralformation.
 4. A structural form, comprising: ID a silicone material forformation within an orthotic support of optimized energy return/energyabsorption, wherein said silicone is a silicone foam material formedwithin as an orthotic structural support device to provide protection ofbodily function; wherein said orthotic structural support device,comprises: a formation within one of: an ankle foot orthosis; a kneeankle foot orthosis; a hip knee ankle foot orthosis; a reciprocatinggait orthosis; or an ambulation orthosis.
 5. The structural form ofclaim 4, where said orthotic structural support device is customizable.6. The structural form of claim 5, wherein said orthotic devicecomprises formation as an orthopedic device that is applied externallyto the limb or body, further said device comprising a brace.
 7. Thestructural form of claim 6, wherein said orthotic device furthercomprises a splint.
 8. A structural formation formed of silicone as amolded shock absorbing viscoelastic full insole molded as an as insertwherein said insole comprises; said structural formation to redistributepressure when worn under the foot; and at least one of said structuralformations utilized in correcting gait.